This was a constant source of TV ads while we were living in Anchorage last year, and despite this vote, I’d be surprised if Pebble got its permits any time soon. Most residents are opposed to the mine. OTOH, I don’t actually know whether the permits will depend on a popular vote.

In particular, the Native Alaskans are largely against it, since the land/water downstream is vital for subsistence living as well as commercial fishing — but apparently the proposed site is state land, not Native Corporation land, so they may not have much of a say. Even though a large part of their food source is going to be poisoned with fun chemicals. Sure, the local residents will have new job opportunities, but I’m guessing the cost of having all their food flown in would offset the wage gains. In the end, I know they’ll mine the area eventually, because who’s really going to leave that much gold in the ground forever? But I hope it will wait at least until the technology and/or process get better for the land and residents.